An idyllic retreat for families and groups in the delightful Amari Valley
Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Amari Villas comprises two interconnected properties - Villa Idi and Villa Samitos - which date back to the mid 19th century. The property includes a swimming pool.
THE VILLA
Amari Villas is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the property exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.
With spectacular views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida, and a location that guarantees peace and tranquility, Amari Villas offers guests that most elusive of experiences - a beautiful refuge in which to unwind and recharge, enriched by the traditions of "the real Crete".
The property has been in the owner’s family for generations. In his childhood, Manolis spent his summer holidays here with his “papou” and “yiayia” (grandfather and grandmother). Decades later, Manolis restored the building for the sake of those sweet summers and transformed it into one of Crete’s most delightful and sought-after holiday homes.
Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40-minute drive south of Rethymno town, Amari Villas is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church, with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).
The interiors of the Villas comprise a combination of traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with contemporary kitchens, central heating, air-conditioning, and modern appliances.
The two villas - ‘Idi’ and ‘Samitos’ (named after the mountains which cradle the village of Amari) comprise a total area of 320 square meters. Each has its own well-appointed kitchen and large living room with fireplace, and together provide six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Up to 16 guests can be housed comfortably in the villas, though additional capacity with extra beds is possible. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and each villa is supplied with a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.
The private swimming pool is part of Villa Idi’s terrace. With superb views to Mount Ida and across the valley, the terrace includes a BBQ and dining area. A second terrace, part of Villa Samitos, provides another larger dining area.
Amari Villas is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.
Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Amari Villas is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.
GUEST SERVICES
The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests’ needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients - all from local suppliers. Prices for meals are available on request.
CHILDREN
For youngsters and the young at heart, Amari Villas has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from in each villa. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.
LOCATION INFO
The Amari Valley lies between two mountain ranges - Mount Ida to its east and the Kedros range to the west. The Valley is one of a few regions of Crete where the traditional Cretan rural way of life is still present. It is a place of unique nature and of cultural traditions which are central to the lives of its people today.
The village of Amari is set on the eastern slope of Samitos mountain. Peaceful and with little traffic entering this tiny hamlet (average resident population 200), the only sounds likely to break the silence are the tinkling of goat bells and the ringing of the village’s church bells.
Surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards, the area is a gentle hiker’s paradise. The nearby landscape, dotted with tiny, often hidden, byzantine chapels, is a joy to explore by foot, while the Amari Valley lends itself to lazy exploration by car along its latticework of beautiful tree-shaded lanes and mountain paths.
